Yahoo! Games

Thor Nystrom

Rankings

2019 NFL Draft defensive ranks

This list is a meant to be a far-too-early snapshot of the 2019 NFL Draft class. Emphasis on “far-too-early.” I have watched and followed every player listed below over the past few years in my work as a college football/NFL Draft writer for Rotoworld, but I have not yet watched each of their film packages. Much will change between now and next April, but it’s never too early to get a grasp on where we stand right now. At this moment, this is how I see next year’s class.

Better in 2019:WR, TE, OT, DE, DT, LB

Worse in 2019:QB, RB, OG, C, CB, S

Editor's Note: Fantasy football season has begun. Compete in a live best ball draft! It's like season long but without in-season management. Just set it and forget it! Once you're done drafting, that’s it - no trades or waivers - you don’t even have to set your lineup. Your best players get automatically selected and you'll get the best score, every week. For a limited time, DRAFT is giving Rotoworld readers a FREE entry into a real money draft and a Money-Back Guarantee up to $100!Here's the link

Nick Bosa (6’4/263) is a clone of his brother Joey, except that he may be a slightly better athlete. Playing in a rotation amid one of college football’s deepest defensive lines last year—and consistently facing multiple blockers—Bosa managed 8.5 sacks and 16 TFL. Bosa wins with a blend of quickness, power and sheer effort. He, Ed Oliver and Justin Herbert are the three likeliest players to hear their name called at 1.1 next year.

Clelin Ferrell (6’5/260) and Austin Bryant (6’5/265) are so disruptive. The duo collectively posted 18 sacks and 33.5 TFL last year. Ferrell in particular had a shot to go in Round 1 had he declared for the 2018 draft. He's a long end who effectively converts speed to power. Bryant broke out with 15.5 TFL last year.

Zach Allen (6’5/285), Harold Landry’s running mate last year, probably would have gone in Round 2 had he declared for the 2018 draft. With Landry gone, he steps fully in the spotlight. Allen posted 15.5 TFL last year and he’s only getting better. He was one of two FBS defensive linemen to finish with 100 or more tackles last year. He'll be a first-rounder next spring if that progression continues.

Montez Sweat is a 6-foot-6, 241-pound twitchy athlete off the edge. He posted 15.5 TFL and 10.5 sacks in his first year as a starter. If he takes another leap this fall, I’ve placed him too low.

Jalen Jelks (6’6/247) is a long and springy defender who chases the ball until the whistle. From an NFL perspective, he’s most exciting when picturing him crashing down on quarterbacks off the edge. But don’t forget about his play against the run. Jelks ranks No. 2 among returning FBS interior defenders with 35 stop in run defense last year, per Pro Football Focus.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Chase Winovich, a colorful personality who was one of the stars of the Amazon series about the Michigan program, went off for 18 TFL last year. The Wolverines were lucky to get him back after Winovich briefly considered entering the 2018 NFL Draft. Winovich may be the Big 10’s best defense end this side of Nick Bosa.

Carl Granderson (6’5/255) was arguably as valuable to Wyoming as QB Josh Allen last year. The long edge player recorded 77 tackles, 16 TFL and a team-high 9.5 sacks. He also showed versatility by picking off two passes. The highlight of his season may have been the 58-yard fumble recovery touchdown against Central Michigan in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

How big is Corbin Kaufusi (6’9/285)? Remember Robert “Tractor” Traylor? Kaufusi is the same height and only five pounds lighter than the late Traylor’s listed NBA weight. Kaufusi was a physical, defensive-minded center for BYU’s basketball team until giving up the sport last year to focus on football. Nicknamed the “Gonzaga killer” after averaging 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in three road upsets of the Zags, Kaufusi’s focus on football will pay off in the short and long term. With the basketball team, he was asked to run hard and eat less to lose his football weight, a back-and-forth tug-of-war between seasons. Kaufusi comes from good bloodlines. His dad, Steve Kaufusi, is a BYU defensive coach, and his brother, Bronson Kaufusi—who also moonlighted on the Cougars’ basketball team—was a third-round pick of the Ravens in 2016.

Anthony Nelson (6’7/260) is a long defensive end who earned academic All-America and third team All-Big Ten honors last season. He led the team with 7.5 sacks and added 9.5 TFL, four pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal. A redshirt junior, Nelson has two years to continue to pack muscle onto that skyscraper frame. He’s already gained over 40 pounds since stepping foot on campus. A classic Iowa developmental case, Nelson redshirted after showing up on campus as a 6’7/215 three-star recruit from Waukee, Iowa.

Christian Rector impressed last fall when he was forced to move back to USC’s predator position (hybrid edge-rushing LB) to fill in for the injured Porter Gustin. With Gustin healthy and Rasheem Green off to the NFL, Rector will return to DE this fall. With 7.5 sacks, he’s the leading returning sack artist on the Trojans’ roster.

Maxx Crosby (6’5/265) came out of nowhere to post 16.5 TFL, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries (including a FR TD) last year. He also showed he could set the edge by tying for the team lead with nine run stuffs. One of 14 FBS defenders to record double-digit sacks last year, Crosby is a size/effort prospect who’ll need to prove he has the athleticism NFL teams desire.

Curtis Weaver (6’3/266) would have made the top-15 except for the fact that I doubt he enters next year’s draft. As a redshirt freshman last year, Weaver led the Mountain West with 11 sacks and finished No. 4 with 13 TFL. For that, he earned All-Mountain West First Team honors, Phil Steele All-America Fourth Team accommodation and inclusion on USA TODAY’s Freshman All-American team. Oh, and he was also an Academic All-Mountain West pick. Weaver plays the “stud” role in BSU’s defense, a hybrid DE/OLB role. This is where it gets interesting. Based on the way his body develops and how his development is steered, Weaver could play 4-3 DE in the NFL, 3-4 OLB or, more intriguingly perhaps, bulk up to become a 4-3 3-tech -- if his frame can handle the extra weight. Weaver is extremely disruptive and comes with an always-revving motor. He’s not one of those under-recruited gems that the Broncos staff polished into a gem. BSU had to fend off Wisconsin, Washington State, UCF, Boston College, Duke, Virginia and a late USC push to land him. Remember: Weaver has three years of eligibility left.

Ed Oliver, the rare five-star recruit to sign with a Group of 5 team, has been dominating since he stepped foot on campus. He posted 16.5 TFL last year despite constant double teams, and also ranked No. 1 among returning FBS interior defenders with 39 stops in run defense. A special prospect drawing deserved Aaron Donald comps, Oliver may have been a top-five pick had he been eligible for last year’s draft. As disruptive as they get, Oliver has already announced he’ll enter next year’s draft. He’s in a head-to-head battle with Nick Bosa to become the first defensive linemen off the board in what could be a historical DL class. The winner of that battle has a real shot to go 1.1—unless Justin Herbert goes supernova in 2018.

The 6-foot-5, 287-pound Rashan Gary, who logged 12 TFL as part of a rotation last fall, was the No. 1 overall recruit in his class. Gary often lines up outside for the Wolverines, but he seems like a signed, sealed and delivered NFL 3-technique. With athletic tools like he has, he'll produce wherever you play him.

I don’t know if I’ve written about a prospect who epitomizes the term “dancing bear” quite like Dexter Lawrence. The 6-foot-4, 340-pounder reportedly only has 18 percent body fat. A former five-star recruit who contributed immediately as a true freshman to Clemson’s national championship team, Lawrence is a better prospect than Vita Vea.

Raekwon Davis is a towering 6-foot-7, 306-pounder who can play either inside or outside. He’s athletic and powerful, with active hands and quickness of the snap. Former Alabama C Bradley Bozeman calls Davis an “animal.” He'd know after having to go head-to-head with Davis in practice the past few years.

Jeffery Simmons is a long, athletic interior lineman with pedigree (former five-star recruit) and production (First-Team all-SEC last year). If Simmons is to drop out of Round 1 next spring, it’ll probably have something to do with the video of him as a teenager repeatedly punching a woman on the ground who had been involved in an altercation with his sister. To be fair, Simmons has more than stayed on the straight-and-narrow at Mississippi State. He hasn’t gotten in trouble, he’s been lauded for his leadership, and he’s a member of the All-SEC honor roll. And there’s this: Simmons is the FBS returning leader among DTs with 41 QB pressures in 2017.

Christian Wilkins is a 6-foot-4, 300-pounder who has experience inside and outside but profiles better inside at the next level. Arguably overshadowed playing beside Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant, Wilkins is nonetheless a prime Round 1 prospect. If you’re looking for length and movement at a slight discount next spring because of the DL class’ depth, he might be your guy late in the first stanza. Wilkins ranks No. 2 among returning ACC interior defenders with a 7.7 run stop percentage in 2017.

Most years, Derrick Brown, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound former five-star recruit, would be drawing big-time hype at this time of the year. But in this class, he’s just one of several defensive linemen worthy of going in the top-half of Round 1. Mel Kiper calls him a “rare, rare” talent.

Dre’Mont Jones (6'3/291) has had an interesting career, hasn’t he? Jones burst on the scene by posting 52 total tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2016, the most of any Buckeyes defensive linemen (think about that for a sec). But last year, instead of taking a developmental leap, he took a step back amid a stacked depth chart. Jones regressed to only 20 total tackles (five TFL, one sack) while missing three games after cutting his leg against Rutgers. With three OSU defensive linemen off to the NFL and Nick Bosa drawing ample attention off the edge, Jones has a prime chance to emerge as a star in 2018.

Jerry Tillery (6’6/306) is a long interior defender who posted nine TFL and 4.5 sacks last year as Notre Dame’s nose tackle. This year, he’ll kick to three-technique. Tillery could move up the board a bit, but only if he stays out of trouble (was sent home from the 2016 Fiesta Bowl) and keeps his head screwed on when playing (remember his brutal after-the-whistle penalties against USC in 2016 finale?) this fall. At least he’s publicly shown self-awareness since, admitting to having a big head earlier in his college career. HC Brian Kelly said this spring that Tillery has grown up. “He’s virtually unblockable at the three technique for us,” Kelly said of Tillery’s on-field game. “He’s a very difficult player to play.”

Terry Beckner is a former five-star recruit (No. 2 overall recruit in his class) who I expected to opt into the last draft class after a breakout 2017 campaign (seven sacks, 11 TFL). He’s a problematic evaluation because he’s torn two ACLS—his right as a freshman, his left as a sophomore—whilst on campus. There’s also this: Beckner entered Week 7 last year with only five career sacks. He went on to post four sacks (and 6.5 TFL) over the next three games, against Idaho, UConn and Florida, three dreadful outfits. He added another three weeks later against Arkansas, another bad team. Those five sacks account for exactly half his collegiate sack output to present day. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder could lock in a Day 2 call with a healthy, productive senior season. But man did he make a big gamble in rolling the dice on his knees in order to join the 2019 defensive line class, the nastiest I’ve seen since I started covering the draft five years ago.

Olive Sagapolu (first name pronounced Oh-Lee-Vay) is one of college football’s most colorful stories. A former cheerleader, Sagapolu can perform a backflip and touch his toes in midair when splaying out his legs. “Mr. Aloha”, a Hawaii native, can also play the ukulele. A 19-game nose tackle starter on college football’s No. 2 defense (and No. 3 rushing defense), Sagapolu finished with three sacks and 3.5 TFL last year. The 6-foot-2, 335-pounder has lost 10 pounds since earlier in his career. Wisconsin defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield would like him to get down to 325 so he can be used in pass-rushing situations in the nickel defense. Sagapolu comes from NFL bloodlines, the cousin of Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle Domata Peko and former NFL offensive lineman Tupe Peko.

Greg Gaines (6’2/322) ain’t one of those sexy, disruptive three-techniques. He’s a reliable, hard-to-move block eater who’s been starting since halfway through his redshirt freshman season. Gaines was a second-team All Pac-12 performer last year despite playing through a torn PCL. In large part because of that injury, his TFL total dropped from eight to five. A high-motor player, Gaines is strong against the run and offers more as a pass rusher than you’d expect.

You may not have heard of Daniel Wise (6’3/290), as he played in Dorance Armstrong’s shadow on a dreadful Kansas outfit. While you were tuning out the Jayhawks during their 11-game losing streak to end the 2017 season, Wise was producing some eye-opening stats: 63 tackles, 16 TFL, seven sacks, five quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. Kansas returns more defensive talent than you might think (a level back, Joe Dineen is another NFL prospect). If Wise shows improvement in 2018, he could be one of the first 10 DTs off the board in a stacked class.

Marlon Davidson (6’3/282) plays DE for Auburn, but I could see him taking the Jalyn Holmes path, targeted early on Day 3 with the intention of moving him inside and turning him into a 3-technique. He’s not as long as Holmes, but he’s been a better college player. Davidson dealt with a bunch of injuries last year. Built low-to-the-ground and thick for an edge rusher, Davidson is likely to break out this fall.

Marquise Copeland (6’3/290) has played a lot of defensive end for the Bearcats but will probably kick inside at the next level. To differentiate himself in this deep DL class, he’d better dominate the AAC this fall. He had a good-but-not great 2017 for a mediocre Cincy outfit (63 total tackles, eight TFL, 3.5 sacks). Per PFF, Copeland graded out much better as a run defender than a pass rusher. Improving on the latter would obviously add to his NFL appeal.

DeMarcus Christmas ranks No. 2 among returning interior defenders with six passes batted at the line last year.

Rashard Lawrence (6’3/300) is a former five-star recruit who makes this list solely on projected upside. He’s a talented kid who plays hard, but now’s the time to level up on the field. Lawrence has struggled with injuries and consistency while on campus. With the Tigers, DC Dave Aranda uses Lawrence at five-technique end and then shifts him inside in nickel sets.

Khalen Saunders (6’2/310), one of the FCS’ best defenders, barely missed this list. He had 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last fall.

This list is a meant to be a far-too-early snapshot of the 2019 NFL Draft class. Emphasis on “far-too-early.” I have watched and followed every player listed below over the past few years in my work as a college football/NFL Draft writer for Rotoworld, but I have not yet watched each of their film packages. Much will change between now and next April, but it’s never too early to get a grasp on where we stand right now. At this moment, this is how I see next year’s class.

Better in 2019:WR, TE, OT, DE, DT, LB

Worse in 2019:QB, RB, OG, C, CB, S

Editor's Note: Fantasy football season has begun. Compete in a live best ball draft! It's like season long but without in-season management. Just set it and forget it! Once you're done drafting, that’s it - no trades or waivers - you don’t even have to set your lineup. Your best players get automatically selected and you'll get the best score, every week. For a limited time, DRAFT is giving Rotoworld readers a FREE entry into a real money draft and a Money-Back Guarantee up to $100!Here's the link

Nick Bosa (6’4/263) is a clone of his brother Joey, except that he may be a slightly better athlete. Playing in a rotation amid one of college football’s deepest defensive lines last year—and consistently facing multiple blockers—Bosa managed 8.5 sacks and 16 TFL. Bosa wins with a blend of quickness, power and sheer effort. He, Ed Oliver and Justin Herbert are the three likeliest players to hear their name called at 1.1 next year.

Clelin Ferrell (6’5/260) and Austin Bryant (6’5/265) are so disruptive. The duo collectively posted 18 sacks and 33.5 TFL last year. Ferrell in particular had a shot to go in Round 1 had he declared for the 2018 draft. He's a long end who effectively converts speed to power. Bryant broke out with 15.5 TFL last year.

Zach Allen (6’5/285), Harold Landry’s running mate last year, probably would have gone in Round 2 had he declared for the 2018 draft. With Landry gone, he steps fully in the spotlight. Allen posted 15.5 TFL last year and he’s only getting better. He was one of two FBS defensive linemen to finish with 100 or more tackles last year. He'll be a first-rounder next spring if that progression continues.

Montez Sweat is a 6-foot-6, 241-pound twitchy athlete off the edge. He posted 15.5 TFL and 10.5 sacks in his first year as a starter. If he takes another leap this fall, I’ve placed him too low.

Jalen Jelks (6’6/247) is a long and springy defender who chases the ball until the whistle. From an NFL perspective, he’s most exciting when picturing him crashing down on quarterbacks off the edge. But don’t forget about his play against the run. Jelks ranks No. 2 among returning FBS interior defenders with 35 stop in run defense last year, per Pro Football Focus.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Chase Winovich, a colorful personality who was one of the stars of the Amazon series about the Michigan program, went off for 18 TFL last year. The Wolverines were lucky to get him back after Winovich briefly considered entering the 2018 NFL Draft. Winovich may be the Big 10’s best defense end this side of Nick Bosa.

Carl Granderson (6’5/255) was arguably as valuable to Wyoming as QB Josh Allen last year. The long edge player recorded 77 tackles, 16 TFL and a team-high 9.5 sacks. He also showed versatility by picking off two passes. The highlight of his season may have been the 58-yard fumble recovery touchdown against Central Michigan in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

How big is Corbin Kaufusi (6’9/285)? Remember Robert “Tractor” Traylor? Kaufusi is the same height and only five pounds lighter than the late Traylor’s listed NBA weight. Kaufusi was a physical, defensive-minded center for BYU’s basketball team until giving up the sport last year to focus on football. Nicknamed the “Gonzaga killer” after averaging 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in three road upsets of the Zags, Kaufusi’s focus on football will pay off in the short and long term. With the basketball team, he was asked to run hard and eat less to lose his football weight, a back-and-forth tug-of-war between seasons. Kaufusi comes from good bloodlines. His dad, Steve Kaufusi, is a BYU defensive coach, and his brother, Bronson Kaufusi—who also moonlighted on the Cougars’ basketball team—was a third-round pick of the Ravens in 2016.

Anthony Nelson (6’7/260) is a long defensive end who earned academic All-America and third team All-Big Ten honors last season. He led the team with 7.5 sacks and added 9.5 TFL, four pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal. A redshirt junior, Nelson has two years to continue to pack muscle onto that skyscraper frame. He’s already gained over 40 pounds since stepping foot on campus. A classic Iowa developmental case, Nelson redshirted after showing up on campus as a 6’7/215 three-star recruit from Waukee, Iowa.

Christian Rector impressed last fall when he was forced to move back to USC’s predator position (hybrid edge-rushing LB) to fill in for the injured Porter Gustin. With Gustin healthy and Rasheem Green off to the NFL, Rector will return to DE this fall. With 7.5 sacks, he’s the leading returning sack artist on the Trojans’ roster.

Maxx Crosby (6’5/265) came out of nowhere to post 16.5 TFL, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries (including a FR TD) last year. He also showed he could set the edge by tying for the team lead with nine run stuffs. One of 14 FBS defenders to record double-digit sacks last year, Crosby is a size/effort prospect who’ll need to prove he has the athleticism NFL teams desire.

Curtis Weaver (6’3/266) would have made the top-15 except for the fact that I doubt he enters next year’s draft. As a redshirt freshman last year, Weaver led the Mountain West with 11 sacks and finished No. 4 with 13 TFL. For that, he earned All-Mountain West First Team honors, Phil Steele All-America Fourth Team accommodation and inclusion on USA TODAY’s Freshman All-American team. Oh, and he was also an Academic All-Mountain West pick. Weaver plays the “stud” role in BSU’s defense, a hybrid DE/OLB role. This is where it gets interesting. Based on the way his body develops and how his development is steered, Weaver could play 4-3 DE in the NFL, 3-4 OLB or, more intriguingly perhaps, bulk up to become a 4-3 3-tech -- if his frame can handle the extra weight. Weaver is extremely disruptive and comes with an always-revving motor. He’s not one of those under-recruited gems that the Broncos staff polished into a gem. BSU had to fend off Wisconsin, Washington State, UCF, Boston College, Duke, Virginia and a late USC push to land him. Remember: Weaver has three years of eligibility left.

Ed Oliver, the rare five-star recruit to sign with a Group of 5 team, has been dominating since he stepped foot on campus. He posted 16.5 TFL last year despite constant double teams, and also ranked No. 1 among returning FBS interior defenders with 39 stops in run defense. A special prospect drawing deserved Aaron Donald comps, Oliver may have been a top-five pick had he been eligible for last year’s draft. As disruptive as they get, Oliver has already announced he’ll enter next year’s draft. He’s in a head-to-head battle with Nick Bosa to become the first defensive linemen off the board in what could be a historical DL class. The winner of that battle has a real shot to go 1.1—unless Justin Herbert goes supernova in 2018.

The 6-foot-5, 287-pound Rashan Gary, who logged 12 TFL as part of a rotation last fall, was the No. 1 overall recruit in his class. Gary often lines up outside for the Wolverines, but he seems like a signed, sealed and delivered NFL 3-technique. With athletic tools like he has, he'll produce wherever you play him.

I don’t know if I’ve written about a prospect who epitomizes the term “dancing bear” quite like Dexter Lawrence. The 6-foot-4, 340-pounder reportedly only has 18 percent body fat. A former five-star recruit who contributed immediately as a true freshman to Clemson’s national championship team, Lawrence is a better prospect than Vita Vea.

Raekwon Davis is a towering 6-foot-7, 306-pounder who can play either inside or outside. He’s athletic and powerful, with active hands and quickness of the snap. Former Alabama C Bradley Bozeman calls Davis an “animal.” He'd know after having to go head-to-head with Davis in practice the past few years.

Jeffery Simmons is a long, athletic interior lineman with pedigree (former five-star recruit) and production (First-Team all-SEC last year). If Simmons is to drop out of Round 1 next spring, it’ll probably have something to do with the video of him as a teenager repeatedly punching a woman on the ground who had been involved in an altercation with his sister. To be fair, Simmons has more than stayed on the straight-and-narrow at Mississippi State. He hasn’t gotten in trouble, he’s been lauded for his leadership, and he’s a member of the All-SEC honor roll. And there’s this: Simmons is the FBS returning leader among DTs with 41 QB pressures in 2017.

Christian Wilkins is a 6-foot-4, 300-pounder who has experience inside and outside but profiles better inside at the next level. Arguably overshadowed playing beside Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant, Wilkins is nonetheless a prime Round 1 prospect. If you’re looking for length and movement at a slight discount next spring because of the DL class’ depth, he might be your guy late in the first stanza. Wilkins ranks No. 2 among returning ACC interior defenders with a 7.7 run stop percentage in 2017.

Most years, Derrick Brown, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound former five-star recruit, would be drawing big-time hype at this time of the year. But in this class, he’s just one of several defensive linemen worthy of going in the top-half of Round 1. Mel Kiper calls him a “rare, rare” talent.

Dre’Mont Jones (6'3/291) has had an interesting career, hasn’t he? Jones burst on the scene by posting 52 total tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2016, the most of any Buckeyes defensive linemen (think about that for a sec). But last year, instead of taking a developmental leap, he took a step back amid a stacked depth chart. Jones regressed to only 20 total tackles (five TFL, one sack) while missing three games after cutting his leg against Rutgers. With three OSU defensive linemen off to the NFL and Nick Bosa drawing ample attention off the edge, Jones has a prime chance to emerge as a star in 2018.

Jerry Tillery (6’6/306) is a long interior defender who posted nine TFL and 4.5 sacks last year as Notre Dame’s nose tackle. This year, he’ll kick to three-technique. Tillery could move up the board a bit, but only if he stays out of trouble (was sent home from the 2016 Fiesta Bowl) and keeps his head screwed on when playing (remember his brutal after-the-whistle penalties against USC in 2016 finale?) this fall. At least he’s publicly shown self-awareness since, admitting to having a big head earlier in his college career. HC Brian Kelly said this spring that Tillery has grown up. “He’s virtually unblockable at the three technique for us,” Kelly said of Tillery’s on-field game. “He’s a very difficult player to play.”

Terry Beckner is a former five-star recruit (No. 2 overall recruit in his class) who I expected to opt into the last draft class after a breakout 2017 campaign (seven sacks, 11 TFL). He’s a problematic evaluation because he’s torn two ACLS—his right as a freshman, his left as a sophomore—whilst on campus. There’s also this: Beckner entered Week 7 last year with only five career sacks. He went on to post four sacks (and 6.5 TFL) over the next three games, against Idaho, UConn and Florida, three dreadful outfits. He added another three weeks later against Arkansas, another bad team. Those five sacks account for exactly half his collegiate sack output to present day. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder could lock in a Day 2 call with a healthy, productive senior season. But man did he make a big gamble in rolling the dice on his knees in order to join the 2019 defensive line class, the nastiest I’ve seen since I started covering the draft five years ago.

Olive Sagapolu (first name pronounced Oh-Lee-Vay) is one of college football’s most colorful stories. A former cheerleader, Sagapolu can perform a backflip and touch his toes in midair when splaying out his legs. “Mr. Aloha”, a Hawaii native, can also play the ukulele. A 19-game nose tackle starter on college football’s No. 2 defense (and No. 3 rushing defense), Sagapolu finished with three sacks and 3.5 TFL last year. The 6-foot-2, 335-pounder has lost 10 pounds since earlier in his career. Wisconsin defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield would like him to get down to 325 so he can be used in pass-rushing situations in the nickel defense. Sagapolu comes from NFL bloodlines, the cousin of Cincinnati Bengals nose tackle Domata Peko and former NFL offensive lineman Tupe Peko.

Greg Gaines (6’2/322) ain’t one of those sexy, disruptive three-techniques. He’s a reliable, hard-to-move block eater who’s been starting since halfway through his redshirt freshman season. Gaines was a second-team All Pac-12 performer last year despite playing through a torn PCL. In large part because of that injury, his TFL total dropped from eight to five. A high-motor player, Gaines is strong against the run and offers more as a pass rusher than you’d expect.

You may not have heard of Daniel Wise (6’3/290), as he played in Dorance Armstrong’s shadow on a dreadful Kansas outfit. While you were tuning out the Jayhawks during their 11-game losing streak to end the 2017 season, Wise was producing some eye-opening stats: 63 tackles, 16 TFL, seven sacks, five quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. Kansas returns more defensive talent than you might think (a level back, Joe Dineen is another NFL prospect). If Wise shows improvement in 2018, he could be one of the first 10 DTs off the board in a stacked class.

Marlon Davidson (6’3/282) plays DE for Auburn, but I could see him taking the Jalyn Holmes path, targeted early on Day 3 with the intention of moving him inside and turning him into a 3-technique. He’s not as long as Holmes, but he’s been a better college player. Davidson dealt with a bunch of injuries last year. Built low-to-the-ground and thick for an edge rusher, Davidson is likely to break out this fall.

Marquise Copeland (6’3/290) has played a lot of defensive end for the Bearcats but will probably kick inside at the next level. To differentiate himself in this deep DL class, he’d better dominate the AAC this fall. He had a good-but-not great 2017 for a mediocre Cincy outfit (63 total tackles, eight TFL, 3.5 sacks). Per PFF, Copeland graded out much better as a run defender than a pass rusher. Improving on the latter would obviously add to his NFL appeal.

DeMarcus Christmas ranks No. 2 among returning interior defenders with six passes batted at the line last year.

Rashard Lawrence (6’3/300) is a former five-star recruit who makes this list solely on projected upside. He’s a talented kid who plays hard, but now’s the time to level up on the field. Lawrence has struggled with injuries and consistency while on campus. With the Tigers, DC Dave Aranda uses Lawrence at five-technique end and then shifts him inside in nickel sets.

Khalen Saunders (6’2/310), one of the FCS’ best defenders, barely missed this list. He had 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last fall.

Devin Bush (6’0/222) is one of those new-age linebackers who makes up for a lack of size with sizzling athleticism. His speed and agility would probably play at safety, but that would deprive us the opportunity of seeing him jolt runners sideline-to-sideline.

If you go on 2017 stats, T.J. Edwards (6’1/247) is the best linebacker in coverage in the nation. He leads all returning LBs with 15 combined pass breakups and interceptions last year (four INTs, 11 PBUs). A First-Team All-American last year, Edwards also had 11 TFL and two sacks. Three of his best games last year came against Michigan, Ohio State and Miami.

Mack Wilson is Alabama’s next stud inside linebacker. Featuring a well-rounded game, Wilson crashes down hard against the run and is no slouch in coverage either, with four interceptions last year.

The ever-reliable Cameron Smith ranks No. 5 among returning FBS linebackers with 47 stops in run defense last year.

Khalil Hodge (6’1/235) will be the defender who jumps off the screen when you’re watching Tyree Jackson and Anthony Johnson next year at Buffalo. Hodge’s favorite team is the Raiders. They’d do well to look the Stockton native’s way in next year’s draft. Hodge set the school record with 154 tackles last year, finishing No. 2 in the FBS.

Joe Dineen elected to return to Kansas despite earning second-team All-American honors from Sports Illustrated last season and despite the Jayhawks’ struggles in recent seasons. Unlike most prospects, he was totally honest with the media about the feedback he received from the NFL. While testing the waters, Dineen was told he needs to improve in coverage. He’s never recorded a collegiate interception. Dineen lost some weight this offseason in an effort to improve his quickness and agility. Run defense isn’t an issue. He led the Big 12 with 137 tackles last season and 22 TFL (two sacks). That tackle number was good for No. 10 nationally, while the 22 TFL ranked fourth in the country. He also is the FBS’ leader among returning LBs with 53 run stops last year.

Joe Giles-Harris (6’2/240), by the way, finished right behind Dineen with 52 run stops last year (ranking No. 2 among returning FBS LBs). Giles-Harris has a more well-rounded game. He earned All-American mentions from a few outlets last year with 125 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups and an interception. Giles-Harris finished as PFF’s No. 1 overall linebacker over Roquan Smith, Tremaine Edmunds, Devin White and all our other favorites.

Troy Dye (6’4/225) earned second-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors last year. That probably understates it, as PFF proclaimed him the conference’s best overall linebacker. Arguably the face of Oregon’s defense—even more so than Jalen Jelks—Dye should burst onto the national scene this fall.

Tyrel Dodson (6’2/245) is the kind of building block Jimbo Fisher can construct his defense around. In his first year as a starter, Dodson ranked No. 4 in the SEC with 104 tackles. He added 11 TFL, 5.5 sacks, three interceptions and six pass breakups. The former four-star recruit showed up in big games, making plays all over the field in the opener against UCLA and setting a career-high with 16 tackles against Alabama. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of him: The SEC robbed Dodson of All-SEC consideration last year, probably because the talent surrounding Dodson was so poor (A&M ranked No. 78 defensively in the nation).

Coming in just behind Dineen and Giles-Harris, Thomas Barber (6’1/233) tied for No. 3 among returning LBs in the FBS with 51 run stops last year. Barber comes from a family that is bonafide Gophers royalty—and heavy in NFL experience. His father, Marion Barber, played ranks No. 6 in program history with 3,094 rushing yards; he went on to play for the New York Jets. His brother, Marion Barber III, left school No. 4 in program history with 3,276 rushing yards before playing for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears. And his brother, Dom Barber, was a Gopher defensive back from 2004-07 before a brief stint with the Houston Texans.

Kendall Joseph (6’0/225) is a reliable albeit small-framed defender for Dabo Swinney. He posted 87 tackles, five TFL, 0.5 sacks, 10 quarterback pressures, an interception, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a recovered fumble over 12 games last year.

Jordan Jones (6’2/221) is currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery after suffering an injury in spring practices. Per Kentucky, his recovery timeline will push right up against the bulk of fall camp in August. He has experience at ILB and OLB.

Tuf Borland (6’1/230) filled in for an injured Chris Worley at middle linebacker last year. He was expected to be the starting MLB this year, but suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the spring. Urban Meyer said he would miss “significant” time but said he doesn’t think Borland’s 2018 campaign is in jeopardy.

Colin Schooler, a four-star recruit, was one of the nation’s best true freshman last year. Immediately, he was one of the Pac-12’s best defenders, finishing No. 13 in the Pac-12 in tackles 88 with 13.5 TFL, two interceptions (and a 66-yard pick-six against Wazzu), four sacks and a forced fumble. Most of that production came against the teeth of the Pac-12 slate. The Scooby Wright comps have already began. If Schooler proves to be a better athlete, a brighter NFL future could be in store.

Devin White is a 6-foot-1, 248-pound former running back who ran for over 5,000 yards in high school. He posted a ridiculous 133 tackles, 14 TFL, 4.5 sacks and an interception last year to earn Second Team All-American honors. He’s been drawing raves since the summer before his true freshman season, when coaches couldn’t stop talking about him to the media. Can you blame them? White came to school as a four-star athlete. Two years later, he’s drawing Ray Lewis comparisons (White plays ILB for the Tigers but can play whatever position his NFL team asks of him). White may end up with a grade rivaling that of Roquan Smith (White finished with more stops last year). I ranked Smith as the No. 3 overall player in this past class.

This Josh Allen doesn’t figure to polarize the draft community in the way that the 2018 Josh Allen did. But he’s still an intriguing prospect. Allen (6’5/252) is long and active. He’s following the Bud Dupree trajectory, leading the Wildcats with seven sacks and 9.5 TFL last year. Allen gained over 20 pounds in the past year-plus. It’d be nice if he could pack on a little more muscle onto that long frame. Dane Brugler calls him this class’ Haason Reddick.

The 6-foot-3, 262-pound Anfernee Jennings, is a stout, intense defender who plays with strength and a revved-up motor. A former four-star recruit, he has a unique combination of dimensions and athletic ability. Jennings comes with supreme versatility. He could develop into a pure edge rusher, or an off-ball inside or outside linebacker.

Ben Banogu (6’4/249) is a college defensive end who may fit better as a 3-4 edge-rushing OLB. The Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year last season after transferring over from Louisiana-Monroe, Banogu finished second in the Big 12 (and second on his team behind Mat Boesen) with 8.5 sacks. The first-team All-Big 12 pick also had seven quarterback hurries and 16.5 TFL. Banogu considered opting into this past draft, and he likely would have been a Day 2 pick. Gary Patterson lobbied hard for him to return and Banogu obliged, a coup for the team and the right call by the player. Banogu is extremely talented, but he’s raw (only two years of FBS experience, and only one in the Power 5) and he could stand to add some muscle.

Like Banogu, Brian Burns (6’5/231) is a collegiate defensive end whose lithe frame and explosive athleticism projects best at outside linebacker in the NFL. He persevered through a rough FSU season last year, posting 13.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks. He also forced three fumbles and proved to be a special teams ace by blocking two punts and two kicks.

To make good on his Round 1 ability, Porter Gustin is going to need to stay healthy. The former five-star recruit started out last year like gangbusters before his season succumbed to a variety of injuries (broken toe, torn bicep, aggravations thereof, etc.). He’s an extremely gifted pass rusher when he’s healthy, smooth on the hoof with a hunter’s kill instinct.

D’Andre Walker (6’3/240) is one nominee for a linebacker who isn’t being talked about much this summer who could catapult up draft lists in the fall. Overshadowed by Roquan Smith, Lorenzo Carter, Davin Bellamy and company last year, Walker only saw the field part-time as a rotational player. He flashed supreme athleticism every time he was on the field. Despite only recording 39 total tackles, Walker posted an incredible 13.5 TFL and 5.5 sacks. He was one of Georgia’s best pass-rushers last season, and he’ll be stepping into the spotlight this fall.

Koron Crump (6’3/218) was leading the nation with four sacks through two games last year before his season abruptly ended with a knee injury. That injury was so devastating to Arizona State that then-DC Phil Bennett admitted that he changed his defensive strategy because of it. The 6-foot-3, 222-pounder was granted a medical waiver, clearing the way for him to return for a final campaign. In Crump’s only full year of FBS ball after transferring in from the JUCO ranks, he made the All Pac-12 second team in 2016 with nine sacks and 10.5 tackles TFL. Rushing the quarterback off the edge is his calling card. Hopefully, over the next year, he can pack on some muscle.

After Virginia Tech lost the Edmunds brothers, Tim Settle and Greg Stroman to the NFL, it’s Trevon Hill’s time to step into the spotlight. The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder quietly posted 9.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception last year. A college DE, he may be a 3-4 OLB at the next level.

It’s so easy to fall in love with Sutton Smith (6’1/230), but we gotta find the guy an NFL position—he may be closer to 6’0/225. It won’t be DE, so it’s got to be OLB. Smith, a high school running back, went off for 14 sacks, 30(!!!!) TFL and 64 hurries last year. He did all that in only 439 rushes. That showing was the best Pro Football Focus has charted among all edge defenders over the past four years. He also defended three passes, forced and recovered three fumbles, and returned two of those fumbles to the house. The MAC’s most dominant defender since Khalil Mack, Smith was actually briefly pursued by Alabama in high school before a hand injury knocked him off the P5 radar. NIU turned out to be his only FBS offer. Nick Saban doesn’t kick himself often, but he has to deeply regret letting Smith get away.

Christian Miller (6’4/240) is entering his fifth year on campus, but he remains a talented-but-unknown quantity. Miller redshirted his first year, barely played in his second, was a special teams contributor in backup linebacker as a redshirt sophomore, and then missed 10 games last year due to an arm injury suffered against FSU in the opener. The former top-100 recruit still retains shine, but he’ll need to prove it on the field this year.

Cece Jefferson (6’1/261) is a hard prospect to peg at the moment. A former top-10 overall recruit, Jefferson had a solid 2017 season for a dumpster-fire Gators outfit, leading the team with 4.5 sacks and 13.5 TFL. He was all set to transition into a hybrid DE/OLB edge rushing role in new DC Todd Granthan’s havoc-wreaking system before a shoulder injury in the spring game. He underwent "significant" surgery and was given a four-month recovery timeline. That would have put his return in the mid-August range. More recent reports have stated that Jefferson could return before that. For a player learning a new defense and changing positions, the quicker the return, the better. From an NFL standpoint, it would be nice to see Jefferson transition smoothly to OLB. His lack of length will work against him as a DE.

One of the stars of the second season of “Last Chance U”, Dakota Allen (6’2/224) returned to Texas Tech in style last fall, starting all 13 games at WILL linebacker. He posted a team-leading 102 tackles with six TFL, two sacks, three quarterback hurries, a pair of interceptions, four pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Allen is a quick, reliable linebacker against the run and pass both who could stand to add some weight.

Oshane Ximines (listed at 6’3/247) is right around Jeff Hollands’ size. Holland was a personal favorite of mine who was bypassed in the draft and signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent. Ximines may similarly find himself slapped with the tweener label and end up in no-man’s land. Ximines did like a boss and broke his own school record with 8.5 sacks last season while tying ODU's single-season record with four forced fumbles. He also led the team with 14 TFL. One of the Group of 5’s best defenders, Ximines’ evaluation is going to come down to how well he tests. He really needs to kick back to 3-4 OLB in the NFL, and he’ll need a slick weekend in Indianapolis to prove he can do it.

*Note: Adonis Alexander (Virginia Tech) was ruled academically ineligible and declared for the 2018 supplemental draft. Alexander (6’3/207) has elite length, but I wonder about his athleticism. Alexander has a labored backpedal, is a bit stiff in the hips, and doesn’t have sprinter’s speed. He’s a long-strider who can get crossed up by nifty route runners. But Alexander’s length and ball skills make him a fit for teams that press and play zone coverage. I’m lower on him than others—I would have ranked him in the CB13-15 range on this list. I’d predict he gets taken with the equivalent of a Day 3 pick in the supplemental draft.

*Note: Sam Beal (Western Michigan) also declared for the supplemental draft after he ran into an academics issue. I had him ranked CB6 at the time the news broke. I predict he’ll get taken in either Round 2 or 3 of the supplemental draft. To give you an idea of how big of a breakout season Beal (6’1/190) is coming off, consider this: PFF gave him an 86.1 grade last year, identical to that of Colorado's Isaiah Oliver (drafted in Round 2 by the Falcons), who PFF graded as the sixth-best CB in this past class. "He's becoming what the NFL is looking for," said WMU CB coach Nick Sanchez of Beal. "A tall guy that can run and can play press coverage. We play press coverage here. We'll take any form we can find that can play, but if you can get a long one that can do what we're asking them to do, we'll take him." One of Beal’s interceptions last year was off USC’s Sam Darnold. Beal cut his teeth by squaring off against Corey Davis in practice his first two years on campus.

Greedy Williams (6’2/182) is a tall, skinny corner who’s extremely difficult to shake due to his combination of long speed and quick-twitch agility. He shows natural ball skills on the rare occasions that SEC quarterbacks decide to test him. As a redshirt freshman, Williams was a third-team All-American and first-team all-conference player after recording five interceptions. LSU’s offense may be a dumpster fire in 2018, but the defense, led by White and Williams, is going to be nasty.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound DeAndre Baker briefly considered opting into the 2018 draft before deciding at the last minute to return to Athens. That decision improved the Bulldogs’ odds of returning to the college football playoff. Baker led the team with nine pass breakups last year. You may recall his third and last interception of the campaign last year, as it came against Alabama in the title game. Baker didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage last season.

Michael Jackson (cue up Tom Jackson’s “He He!”) allowed a 19.7 passer rating against versus ACC opponents last year, per Pro Football Focus, the stingiest of returning CBs in the conference. In conference play, he gave up only 16 receptions and zero touchdowns on 37 targets. Meanwhile, he picked off four passes and broke up another four.

Mark Gilbert (6’1/175) is a long corner with a big game. He broke out with six interceptions and 10 break ups on only 60 targets last year. He surrendered a mere 38.3% completions in coverage. The junior-to-be could stand to add some weight. Do that, test well, and stay on this developmental trajectory, and Round 1 isn’t out of the question.

Bryce Love isn’t the only Love prospect I—ahem, cough, cough—love in this class. Julian Love (5’11/193) returned two of his three 2017 interceptions to the house, and he broke up an incredible 20 passes last season. The NFL loves its cornerbacks athletic and equipped with ball skills, and Love checks both boxes.

Levonta Taylor (5’10/181) enjoyed an outstanding 2017 season for a down Seminoles outfit, surrendering an opposing passer rating of only 28.5, lowest among returning ACC CBs. He also led all Power 5 CBs with an average of 30.6 snaps in coverage per reception allowed. Because of his lack of size (he may even be closer to 5’9), Taylor may be relegated to slot corner in the NFL. But maybe not. It's important to note that Taylor hasn't struggled with size while in college.

Trayvon Mullen (6’2/190) had three interceptions and seven pass breakups in 668 snaps last year. He’s a long corner in a plum situation, playing behind the nation’s nastiest defensive line. Mullen had two picks in the spring and was named by ESPN as the team’s breakout spring performer. He could be in line for a monster campaign.

It’s hard to get a feel for Iman Marshall (6’1/205) right now. I saw a future first-rounder in 2016, but last year, the former top-recruit struggled when he wasn’t injured. The four-year-starter-to-be has plenty of talent, though, so a big rebound season could be in store.

Kendall Sheffield (6’0/193), the No. 1 JUCO CB last year, had a decent showing in 2017 as a rotational defensive back for the Buckeyes. With Denzel Ward moving to another part of the state to play for the Browns, it’s Sheffield’s time to emerge as a lock-down corner. The former Alabama signee is a size/speed prospect who set a new school record with a 6.63 60-meter dash during the indoor track season. “I heard he was fast and then I actually went and watched him,” CB coach Taver Johnson said. “A bunch of us went when the track meet was here, and I thought someone was chasing him with a knife or something. He looked scary running.”

Per Pro Football Focus, Lavert Hill ranks No. 12 among returning FBS CBs with a 38.4 passer rating against last year. Hill has suffered through nagging injuries during his career, but he says he’s healthy from the hip and groin injuries that cost him most of spring practices. Hill has excelled while on the field for the Wolverines, but the nagging injuries are a concern for a player whose listed size is a mere 5’11/177.

Whereas Sheffield transferred to Ohio State from Alabama, Jamel Dean (6’2/208) transferred to Auburn from Ohio State. Dean broke up eight passes while working in Auburn’s CB rotation behind marquee cover man Carlton Davis. Like Sheffield, we haven’t seen as much of Dean as we’d like. Dean redshirted as a true frosh while transferring, and then he missed his redshirt freshman campaign with an injury.

Blessaun Austin (6’1/195), a longtime stud for Rutgers, is coming off a torn ACL that wiped out half his 2017 season. His evaluation is dependent on how he looks in his return to the field.

Alijah Holder (6’2/183) is a long corner who should be dominant in press coverage, but he has a concerning medical rap sheet. Durability is a concern. A healthy and productive campaign would go a long way towards stabilizing his stock. For the Cardinal’s sake, that development would be huge with Justin Reid and Quenton Meeks out the door.

Rashad Robinson (5’11/180), one of the FCS’ best players, recorded seven interceptions en route to second-team FCS All-American honors last year.

Lavert Hill’s running mate David Long (5’11/187) surrendered the lowest passer rating against in 2017 among returning FBS cornerbacks. This is where it gets silly: Long allowed an opposing passer rating of a stupefyingly-low 11.9 in 2017.

I’m taking a wait-and-see approach with Deion Harris (6’3/200), a corner with elite length who was a stud in 2016 before an injury wiped out his 2017 campaign.

Speaking of wait-and-see, Jordan Wyatt would be higher on this list if he hadn’t have torn his ACL on the final drive of the 2017 season. He also played most of last season with a torn labrum, which has also been fixed via surgery. SMU's career record holder for defensive touchdowns, Wyatt has vowed to be ready for the start of the 2018 season. We’ll see.

Donnie Lewis, Jr. (6’1/185) was one of the G5’s most active corners last year, finishing with three TFL and 14 passes defensed.

Trevon Diggs makes the list on projection alone. The brother of Vikings WR Stefon Diggs, Trevon switched to CB from WR and struggled last year. The size/athleticism combo, however, makes him a prospect to monitor if he bounces back. Alabama has penciled him in as a 2018 starter.

*Note: Brandon Bryant (Mississippi State) declared for the 2018 supplemental draft after leaving the team over academic issues in April. Bryant would have ranked somewhere between S15-20 on the above list (i.e. he was on my cut line). Bryant is a freak athlete who is coming off a poor season. In 2017, more than a third of his tackles 32 season tackles came against Auburn (11). The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder has run a reported 4.24 40-yard dash, and he boasts a 600-pound dead lift.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson—formerly Chauncey Gardner—first flashed as a true freshman, when he played in every game and started three despite being surrounded by NFL talent. He really seared himself into my brain by winning Outback Bowl MVP honors against Iowa that year—joining Emmitt Smith as the second true freshman in program history to win a Bowl MVP Award—by picking off two passes. Last year, he started at safety. This year, new Gators DC Todd Grantham will use Gardner-Johnson as something of a nickel back/safety hybrid chess piece in his attacking 3-4 defense. He’s not in Minkah Fitzpatrick’s league as a prospect, but you’re talking a player who can be used similarly. We’ll find out if he puts it together in 2018. The speed, aggressiveness, smarts, versatility and ball skills are all there.

Lukas Denis (5’11/185) burst onto the scene with 83 tackles, seven interceptions and 10 passes broken up last year. His only real issue is size. Denis proved to be an outstanding cover man out of the slot last year. Per PFF, he ranks No. 1 among returning ACC DBs with a 35.4 passer rating allowed on slot targets in 2017.

Jaquan Johnson (5’11/190) is a small safety with a big game. He posted 96 tackles, four interceptions and three forced fumbles last year. Coming off an All-American junior season, Johnson will be one of the country’s best all-around defenders as a senior. He’s a well-rounded player adept both against the run and pass.

Marvell Tell flashed early in his career as a rotational player, but he really took off last season. He’s firmly in contention to be the first safety off the board next fall.

Khaleke Hudson (6’0/205) plays a hybrid outside linebacker/safety position in Don Brown’s attacking defense. Coming off a Third-Team All-Big 10 season, Hudson should burst onto the national radar in 2018. He's likely headed back to safety full-time in the NFL.

Andrew Wingard is a personal favorite. I didn’t miss a Wyoming game that Josh Allen participated in last year. The most surprising thing about that team had nothing to do with offense—it was that the defense was fabulous. Wingard is one of three veteran star players leading that group. I’ll be curious to see how the Mountain West star tests. He’s fabulous in run defense. Wingard led the nation in run stops each of the past two seasons.

Jalen Thompson (6’0/185) is the leading returning Pac-12 DB with a mere 51.5 passer rating against when targeted in the slot. He finished with 73 tackles and four interceptions last year. A reliable tackler with coverage chops, Thompson is a darkhorse All-American candidate this fall.

J.R. Reed (6’1/194) is the son of former standout NFL WR Jake Reed. Reed began his career at Tulsa before transferring to Georgia. Good call. In his first year as a starter, he proved to be a versatile playmaker who helped the Bulldogs reach the title game. Reed has the athleticism and awareness to be a standout in coverage (two INTs, five breakups last year), but he’s also a pest when playing in the box (1.5 sacks, five TFL).

Washington DB coach/DC Jimmy Lake sends DBs to the NFL with regularity and will do so again next spring. Taylor Rapp (6’0/202), a first-team All-Pac-12 pick last year, and JoJo McIntosh (6’1/211), a second-team All-Pac-12 pick in 2017, are his most precocious pupils. Rapp has been an impact player since winning Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 starting next to Budda Baker as a true freshman during Washington’s march to the playoffs. He’s a big hitter with a nose for the ball and the athleticism to get there. McIntosh, the strong safety, isn’t as a versatile. But boy oh boy can he lay the lumber. He’s a hit man in the Ronnie Harrison vein. Harrison was better in coverage than McIntosh, but McIntosh has labored to improve that aspect of his game. Further improvement would obviously increase his draft stock.

Delvon Randall (6’1/216) has a nice combination of size, ranginess and tackling reliability. We also know he’s got ball skills to spare—Randall is No. 11 all-time on Temple’s career interception list with eight.

The 6-foot-2, 204-pound Jordan Fuller moved from strong safety to free safety this spring. Considered one of Ohio State’s best tacklers as a sophomore, Fuller didn’t embarrass himself after replacing All-American Malik Hooker in the lineup. He has a well-rounded game, with the size and athleticism to cover big slots and tight ends and the tackling reliability to aid in run defense. He also directs traffic for the Buckeyes’ vaunted defense. New DC Alex Grinch calls Fuller “a master of the defense.”

Mark McLaurin (6’2/218) is a stout safety who’s rapidly improving. He was an utter thorn in Lamar Jackson’s side in the bowl game, picking off three passes. A candidate for first-team All-SEC honors this fall, McLaurin had 79 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks and six interceptions in his breakout 2017 campaign.

Chase Hansen, Utah’s starting strong safety, is a former Parade All-American and Gatorade Player of the Year in Utah who considered opting into the 2018 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder led the team in tackles (90) during his breakout sophomore campaign in 2016, but his 2017 campaign was ravaged by injuries. Good call in returning to school. “I truly don’t feel like there was one game that I was fully healthy last year,” Hansen said. Utah HC Kyle Willingham says he’s going to play Hansen some as an OLB next fall. “I feel like I’ve been a linebacker for most of the time I’ve been here,” Hansen said. “I play in the box so much.”

Rob Rolle of Villanova is a wild card. Because of that, he narrowly missed this list. Rolle entered last season on the Buck Buchanan watch list (best FCS defender) after tying for the FCS lead with seven interceptions in 2016. Unfortunately, a torn ACL forced a medical redshirt.

Thor Nystrom is a former MLB.com associate reporter whose writing has been honored by Rolling Stone magazine and The Best American Essays series. Say hi to Rotoworld's college football writer on Twitter @thorku.Email :Thor Nystrom

We and our partners use cookies on this site to improve our service, perform analytics, personalize advertising, measure advertising performance, and remember website preferences. By using the site, you consent to these cookies. for more information on cookies including how to manage your consent visit our cookie policy.